Recipe courtesy of the National Pork Board, Des Moines, Iowa.
As the air starts to cool and the leaves begin to change, fall is the perfect time to cozy up with a comforting bowl of soup. This Italian Cupboard Soup checks all the boxes—quick, affordable and delicious!
With just a few simple ingredients, including pork chops, cannellini beans, tomatoes and fresh spinach, this recipe is as versatile as it is satisfying.
As with any soup recipe, the beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily doctor it up with your favorite Italian spices, like oregano, basil or thyme. Don’t forget to add a few garlic cloves and season it with salt and pepper to taste. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top right before serving brings it all together, making every spoonful burst with flavor.
Pair the completed soup with warm Italian bread and a fresh salad, and you’ve got yourself a comforting, well-rounded meal.
With pork farming being such an integral part of Wisconsin agriculture, this recipe also nods to our local farmers. Pork is not only an affordable option for families, but it also brings a richness to the soup that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. And with budget-friendly staples like canned beans and broth, this dish makes it easy to create a wholesome meal that won’t break the bank.
As fall soup season kicks off, this Italian Cupboard Soup is the ideal recipe to warm you up and fill your kitchen with the hearty flavors of the season. Whether you follow the recipe as-is or add your own twist, it’s sure to become a fall favorite!
Italian Cupboard Soup
Ingredients
- 2 boneless pork chops cubed
- 15 oz. chopped tomatoes undrained
- 29 oz. chicken broth
- 2 Tbsp. dried minced onion
- 15 oz. cannellini beans OR great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 8 oz. fresh spinach leaves torn
Instructions
- In a deep saucepan, brown the pork in a little oil; add all ingredients except spinach; bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer for 15 minutes; stir in torn spinach and cook for 2 minutes more.
- Optional serving suggestion – top with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.
- Complete this soup with warmed Italian bread and salad of mixed greens.